May 28, 2020

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Don’t let virtual orientation ruin your first college experience

MOLLY SCHRAMM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I feel like most college students would agree that freshman orientation is the first step of the college experience. It’s the first time you really get a feel of campus, meet many of the professors you’ll take class with and hear the monotonous yet necessary safety talks about college life. But, most importantly, it’s the first time you’ll experience the town you’ll be spending the next four or so years of your life in.

Though Ohio University’s Bobcat Student Orientation is forced to be virtual this year because of COVID-19, don’t let that discourage you from being excited to experience anything and everything the town of Athens has to offer you during college.

As I go into my senior year, I can’t say I remember all of orientation at OU, but I do know that it reaffirmed my decision on choosing to go to OU. Though you all unfortunately don’t get to experience Athens yet, trust me when I say this town grabs ahold of your heart and becomes a home-away-from-home.

While virtual orientation is sure to explain OU’s many opportunities for stu-

dents, I feel like it’s my duty to explain — to the best of my ability — just a bit of everything that Athens has to offer for you as well. In fact, even after being here for four years, I feel like I haven’t fully experienced the small Appalachian town and its things to do.

Whether it’s curling up with a warm latte and studying in the cozy atmosphere of Donkey Coffee and Espresso, 17 1/2 Washington St., or it’s grabbing a couple friends and trying to outbowl each other at Rollerbowl Lanes, 28 Palmer St., Athens has more than enough interesting places to see and things to do.

For me, it’s hard to pick just one spot because I’ve formed so many memories in Athens. Between eating bagel sandwiches and cramming for morning exams at Brenen’s Coffee Cafe, 38 S. Court St., going to Union Street Diner, 70 W. Union St., at 2 a.m. to eat good breakfast food or simply experiencing late nights along Court Street with my closest friends, Athens has gifted me with plenty of memories and surely more to come during my senior year.

And while all of that has been great, it wouldn’t be nearly as good without the friends I’ve made in college, especially those from The Post. Finding your spot and your circle of close friends at OU may seem intimidating — I mean there are roughly 18,000 of us students. But from one senior to you many incoming students, I have faith that you guys are going to be OK. Yes, virtual orientation sucks, and I can’t imagine going through it, but take a deep breath and hold onto hope that you’ll get to experience everything Athens has to offer come Welcome Weekend. From me, and from everyone at The Post, welcome to OU, Athens and the Bobcat family.

Molly Schramm is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University and the editor-in-chief of The Post. Have questions? Email Molly at ms660416@ohio.edu or tweet her @_molly_731.

Cover illustration by Mary Berger

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Molly Schramm MANAGING EDITOR Baylee DeMuth DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Abby Miller, Nolan Simmons ASST. NEWS EDITOR Ian McKenzie LONG-FORM EDITOR Shelby Campbell SPORTS EDITORS Jack Gleckler, J.L. Kirven CULTURE EDITOR Riley Runnells ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Keri Johnson OPINION EDITOR Noah Wright ASST. OPINION EDITOR Mikayla Rochelle THE BEAT EDITOR Madyson Lewellyn ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Emma Dollenmayer COPY CHIEF Bre Offenberger SLOT EDITORS Eli Feazell, Anna Garnai, Katey Kruback, Molly Powers ART ART DIRECTOR Mary Berger ASST. ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Kelsey Boeing PHOTO EDITOR Nate Swanson DIGITAL WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brianna Lender SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Taylor Burnette DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA Ethan Sands BUSINESS STUDENT MEDIA SALES INTERNSHIP MANAGER Andrea Lewis MEDIA SALES Emily Cassidy, Ali Gifford, Kyle McCort 2 / SUMMER 2020

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TO OUR NEW BOBCATS, We are thrilled to welcome you to our beloved bricks. The experiences you will have over the next four years will forever change you. You will learn, grow, laugh, stress, perhaps stumble, but also succeed. Try new things and get out of your comfort zone. From all of us in the Division of Student Affairs, welcome to the Bobcat family!

Jason B. Pina

Vice President for Student Affairs

Jenny Hall-Jones Dean of Students

Friendly Faces

Important people to know at OU and in Athens ABBY MILLER NEWS EDITOR Coming to college can be a scary experience when you don’t know anyone. There are, however, some people whose names and faces you’ll quickly become accustomed to. Here are some notable figures from Ohio University and Athens you should know:

WELCOME WEEK

DUANE NELLIS Duane Nellis has served as OU’s 21st president since 2017. Prior to OU, Nellis was president at the University of Idaho before becoming president of Texas Tech University. He has also served in other administrative roles, such as provost and dean, at colleges across the nation.

Nellis has a bachelor’s degree in geography/ earth sciences from Montana State University and earned both a master’s degree and his PhD in geography from Oregon State University.

Aside from his roles in education, Nellis is also world-renowned for his research, which utilizes satellite data and geographic information systems to analyze dimensions of Earth’s surface, according to OU’s website.

JENNY HALL-JONES You’ll surely be introduced to OU’s dean of students and senior associate vice president during Bobcat Student Orientation. Jenny Hall-Jones has served in her roles since 2012, but has an even longer history as a Bobcat.

She received her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and PhD all from Ohio University. She holds administrative roles in multiple student affairs departments, including the Career and Leadership Center and the Campus Involvement Center.

STEVE PATTERSON Steve Patterson is the current mayor of Athens. Patterson, a Democrat, began his second term after winning reelection in the fall with over 75% of the vote. While on the campaign trail this fall, Patterson often spoke about the environment, city infrastructure and the economy. He is also a United States Air Force veteran and has close ties to OU as a former psychology professor.

ohio.edu/welcomeweek

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS 4 / SUMMER 2020

TOM PYLE Tom Pyle is the chief of police at the Athens Police Department. He serves as the face of the department, which often monitors events such as Halloween weekend and Fest Season.

APD came under fire last year for the arrest of a black man on Court Street that some student organizations believed to be an example of police brutality. APD responded to media coverage of the arrest during an emergency press conference where Pyle said the use of force was necessary for safety.

From left, Ohio University Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Gigi Secuban, Senior Associate Vice President & Dean of Students Jenny Hall Jones and Vice President Jason Pina, sit in the convocation center to welcome the class of 2023 in August of 2019. (KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

CHRIS KNISELY Chris Knisely serves as the president of Athens City Council. Knisely, a Democrat, was elected as president in 2014 and began serving in 2015. Before becoming president, she was an At-Large city councilwoman and the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s director of research and grants. She left her position at HCOM in order to focus on her career in politics, and has since overseen the undertaking of city projects and distribution of city funds.

ANDREW POWERS Andrew Powers is the chief of police at the Ohio University Police Department. The department works closely with APD but is the department that will answer when dialing 911 on campus.

Powers became chief of police in 2009 after formerly serving at Miami University.

JANIE PETERSON Janie Peterson is currently serving as Student Senate’s interim president. Usually, a president would already be in office for the academic year, but the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed elections back until the fourth week of Fall Semester.

Peterson was formerly Student Senate chief of staff for the 2019-20 academic year.

JASON PINA Jason Pina is the vice president of Student Affairs. He can frequently be seen with HallJones, as the two are advisors to the Student Senate. As vice president, he also oversees more than 450 professional staff, 3,700 student employees and 60 graduate assistants. He has also been recognized for and provides leadership in student affairs and diversity.

@ABBLAWRENCE AM166317@OHIO.EDU

New Bobcat Traditions Popular events all new students should take part in

TAYLOR BURNETTE SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Each year, the university puts on a number of events to welcome the new freshmen to campus. Some of the events stand out as long-standing Ohio University traditions, and others are just plain ole fun. Some new Bobcats will be having their first campus experience when they arrive at school in the fall. Whether this is your first or hundredth time on campus, here are some of the time-honored traditions you should take part in as a Bobcat:

CONVOCATION

Although all first-year students are required to attend, the introduction to OU

by President Duane Nellis and other high ranking members of OU’s administration has been a traditional moment in the life of a new Bobcat for decades. The President’s Convocation is held at the aptly named Convocation Center, better known as The

Each year the freshman class walk through college gateway on College Green in Athens, Ohio, to start their college careers. (BLAKE NISSEN | FOR THE POST)

Convo. Students hear speeches given by administrative members, have their first moments on campus with their entire graduating class and catch a glimpse of everyone’s favorite mascot, Rufus.

FIRST WALK THROUGH ALUMNI GATEWAY

Each year after the President’s Convocation, the freshman class walks together, led by the Marching 110, from The Convo to the Alumni Gateway, and onto College Green for the first time. Alumni Gateway was dedicated in 1915, commemorating the centennial anniversary of the first graduating class from OU. Some have said reading the inscription on the back of the gateway is bad luck if done before you graduate.

INVOLVEMENT FAIR

The Student Involvement Fair on College

Green brings together about 250 of OU’s 450 student organizations. Here new students can catch Greek life, club sports, performing groups, student publications and more. The Involvement Fair offers opportunities for students to find groups that fit their interests. Take a look around, pick up some free swag, sign up for your new favorite club, or just catch the performance by the 110.

CLASS PHOTO AT PEDEN

Each year, the university gathers the incoming freshman class at Peden Stadium to take a photo in the shape of the year of their graduating class year’s numbers. Although it may not be the most exciting or engaging part of Welcome Week as you’re arranged into the distinct numbers, the photo captures a moment in time new freshmen will never forget.

PUMPKIN THE CAT

Your first time walking down Court Street on your own, peering into shop and restaurant windows, you cannot miss your opportunity to catch your first glimpse of Athens’ favorite, chubby orange kitty: Pumpkin the cat.

Pumpkin is a long time Athens resident who resides in the Board of Elections window, 15 S. Court St., during its office hours.

Stop by, take a peek and say hello. Pumpkin is the beloved figure of Court Street for many OU students, as well as a very good reminder to register to vote.

@THATDBEMYLUCK TB040917@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

Keeping Bobcats Safe Sexual assault resources available to university students EMMA SKIDMORE STAFF WRITER Ohio University, in tandem with student organizations on campus, provides many different programs for students to report instances of sexual assault and to seek support.

Student Senate, for example, has recently taken steps to raise awareness of sexual assault on campus through the creation of new resources, like the Women’s Affairs Commissioner position and the “Bobcat Safe” app for students.

“We’ve been trying the safety app a lot because we’re trying to get students to download it,” Maxeen Ramlo, women’s affairs commissioner, said. “It’s such a great resource for sexual assault resources, (the Ohio University Police Department and the Athens Police Department) and mental health resources as well are in there. It has a lot of safety features.”

The app was first introduced this past Fall Semester and will continue to be supported next year, Ramlo said.

Bobcat Safe, designed to be a sort of one-stop shop for sexual assault resources, includes features that allow

students to call 911, chat with an OUPD officer and share locations with friends all from the app and includes information about the university CATS Late Night shuttles that students can use to get home safely.

Student Senate also put up banners around campus and mirror clings in residence halls last year that include information about various sexual assault resources available to students.

“Last year, one of the big projects we did for sexual assault was the banner project and putting up the stickers on the mirrors in the residence halls, and that should continue next year,” Ramlo said. “We should have the banners back up, hopefully, when we go back in the fall and the stickers in the mirrors and windows in the residence halls.”

Ramlo also said APD and OUPD are available for both non-confidential reporting and to pursue legal action.

For students looking to report sexual assault confidentially, they can go to Counseling and Psychological Services, or CPS, and the Survivor Advocacy program,

or SAP. “SAP is a big resource for survivors who want to talk in a confidential setting and don’t want to pursue legal action or any of that,” she said.

SAP, located in Lindley Hall 038, provides resources for housing and safety, medical options, protection orders and reporting options, among more, according to the SAP website.

“We work to give power and control back to the survivor, and they are never expected to disclose details they are not ready to share,” the website states. “At the Survivor Advocacy Program, survivors will be believed and supported.”

SAP Director Kimberly Castor said the organization provides confidential resources for students who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence and/or stalking.

“If they do want to report, we will make sure they understand those processes and accompany them throughout,” Castor said in an email.

SAP also provides a 24-hour hotline and academic, legal, medical and institutional advocacy for students. Both SAP and CPS offer supportive counseling in addition to workshops as well, Castor said.

“We help survivors understand their trauma responses and move through to recovery,” Castor said. “We provide workshops that teach survivors skills to manage trauma responses.”

SAP also provides support and education for the friends and family of survivors and is there to not only explain the options a survivor has, but support them though any process they choose to go through, Castor said.

She said SAP works with CPS to hold workshops for survivors to navigate trauma responses. They also partner with the Women’s Center and the Office of Health Promotion to hold events to educate people on how to best support survivors and on the importance of bystander intervention and violence prevention.

“SAP is a resource to them regardless of whether the incident happened at Ohio University or before coming to college,” Castor said in an email.

SAP is currently offering virtual and telephone meetings and can be contacted at survivor.advocacy@ohio.edu or through the hotline at 740-597-7233.

@E_SKIDMOREGS ES320518@OHIO.EDU

Sexual assault awareness banners created by Ohio University Student Senate hang on campus during the fall of 2019.

(KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

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A Year of News News Briefs from the 2019-20 academic year ABBY MILLER NEWS EDITOR While in-person time on campus during the 2019-20 academic year may have been cut short, there was no stopping the news. Take a look at the biggest stories that broke before you step foot on the bricks of Athens this year: HAZING ALLEGATIONS Ohio University garnered the attention of national media outlets after a blanket suspension was put on all Interfraternity Council chapters in October.

All 15 fraternity chapters on campus were suspended after ACACIA received a cease and desist order for endangering the health and safety of its members, and at least five other chapters received allegations of hazing, according to a previous Post report.

Throughout the course of Fall Semester, at least nine fraternity chapters were investigated for hazing allegations.

OU’s marching band, the Marching 110, was also suspended due to allegations of hazing. The 110’s cease and desist order was lifted in March despite the investigation finding “cultural issues” within the band, according to a previous Post report.

Three sororities, the men’s club rugby team, a professional fraternity and an engineering fraternity are among other organizations that were suspended and investigated.

BUDGET CRISIS About 200 students and faculty members rallied around the Civil War Soldiers monument on College Green on Nov. 25 to oppose proposed budget cuts by the university that would lead to many faculty members’ contracts being unrenewed.

The protest was prompted by an email from OU President Duane Nellis, which claimed the university was not undergoing a “budget crisis.” That claim was 8 / SUMMER 2020

Alex Armstrong leads a budget rally protest on College Green at Ohio University on Monday, November 25, 2019.

(ALEC SYRVALIN | FOR THE POST) made despite the findings of a financial analysis from the OU chapter of the American Association of University Professors that highlighted trends allowing a “budget crisis” to flourish at the university.

Professors and members of OU Fun Facts, a student-led group that organized the protest and circulated fliers with facts about the university’s finan-

cial state, gave speeches at the monument before the crowd marched to Cutler Hall to speak with Nellis. The crowd was greeted by administrators who shut the doors on the protestors, according to a previous Post report.

The university has since claimed it is in a “strong” financial position. OUAAUP also led a silent protest during a university Board of Trustees meeting.

COURT STREET ARREST, CONVERSATIONS ON RACIAL BIAS The heads of local law enforcement departments spoke about their use of force policies and racial bias training after coming under fire for the arrest of a black man on Court Street in late September.

A video on Twitter showing three officers from the Athens Police Department pinning down a black man outside of The J Bar garnered thousands of retweets and

Acacia fraternity house sits at 36 E State St in Athens, Ohio. Acacia was put on probation until 2021 while all the frats were suspended in the fall of 2019 following the death of a freshman at Ohio University. (KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY) likes on the platform. City officials held an emergency press conference Oct. 1, the Monday after the arrest, to address the video and answer questions from both the media and public.

APD Chief Tom Pyle said there was significantly more to the incident than clips of the arrest on social media showed, according to a previous Post report.

The man arrested, Ty Bealer, 21, was reported to APD after he was ejected from J Bar for causing issues with staff at the front door, Pyle said. When officers approached Bealer, he resisted arrest. Pyle said force was then necessary for the safety of those on Court Street and had nothing to do with race.

The issue of racial bias and the police departments’ use of force policies were further discussed at an Ask the Chiefs forum at the Athena Cinema.

KAITLIN BENNETT After being pushed off campus by a crowd of about 400 students, Kaitlin Bennett said she would return to OU with an “army of gun owners” for an open-carry march through campus.

Bennett caused a campus-wide disruption Feb. 17 when she came to campus to interview students for what she claimed was a Presidents’ Day video for Liberty Hangout, a libertarian media outlet that is affiliated with the conservative news outlet Infowars. A crowd quickly caught wind of Bennett’s presence and formed outside Baker University Center. Students chanted for Bennett to “go home,” threw water and toilet paper at her and raised middle fingers, according to a previous Post report.

Bennett, along with her bodyguard and other members of Liberty Hangout, headed for the Baker Center escalators shortly after the crowd grew and began to accost her. Students continued to follow Bennett and kept chanting as she went down the escalator and toward her truck parked in the Baker Center parking lot until she departed.

After leaving campus, Bennett tweeted

a video of students surrounding her vehicle and tossing water inside, followed by a tweet stating her intent to return.

@ABBLAWRENCE AM166317@OHIO.EDU

Ohio University students rally against host of Liberty Hangout, Kaitlin Bennett on February 27, 2020 in Athens, Ohio. (NATE SWANSON | PHOTO EDITOR) THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

Voting in the age of coronavirus In-person campaigning will return in the fall GRANT RITCHEY FOR THE POST In the wake of the coronavirus, one institutional fabric of not only Ohio University but the U.S. couldn’t go into hibernation — politics.

OU’s Student Senate typically has its elections in the Spring Semester, but due to the coronavirus, the elections will be moved to the Fall Semester. The Student Senate will be relying on social media campaigning during the summer, then will transition to in-person campaigning once the Fall Semester begins. The election will take place in the fourth week of the semester, according to a previous Post report.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine still holds precedent on the final decision of how elections will be done.

“Absentee ballot will be the way to vote ’til DeWine says we can go to the polls ’til further notice,” former Student Senate President Lydia Ramlo said.

There are 13 students running for eight different positions: at-large senator, SAC delegate at large, off-campus senator, Col-

10 / SUMMER 2020

lege of Business senator, Honors Tutorial College senator, resident life senator, president, vice president and treasurer.

Grant Adams is focusing on unionization of classified staff and budget cuts among professors and faculty.

“I’m running to continue to be someone in Senate who puts students first and fights for them,” Adams, who is currently the minority affairs senator, said. “I also want to continue my fight to protect OU’s workers and professors and also protect international students from cuts to their health care.”

Health insurance rates have been a pressing issue for students at OU, especially international ones. For the 2017-2018 year, the cost of health insurance, provided by UnitedHealthcare, was approximately $990 per semester after subsidies and is paid through four installments. In the 2018-2019 academic year, insurance increased 29%, according to a previous Post report.

Until then, the summer session for Stu-

dent Senate still needs leaders until the Fall Semester starts. On April 22, interim President Janie Peterson, interim Vice President Danielle Klien and interim Treasurer Richard Danylo were chosen.

Though the ballot is uncertain, elections

will happen one way or another: either through absentee ballot or in-person.

@RITCHEY_GRANT GR619615@OHIO.EDU

JORDON KIGER LISTENS DURING STUDENT SENATE ON MONDAY, OCT. 21, 2019.

(JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Freshman year, freshman fears Current students talk about their biggest fears as freshmen TAYLOR BURNETTE SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Every new Bobcat has fears the first time they step on to the bricks, away from friends and family. But the road has been walked many times before and leads to a new home in Athens.

Every new freshman was afraid of something when they first arrived on campus, but after surviving their first year at Ohio University, they’ve realized it’s not as scary as they once thought. From wondering if people will like them to being away from friends and family, Bobcats have no shortage of advice for incoming freshmen.

For Jacob Jung, a rising sophomore studying integrated social studies education, one of the scariest parts of being a new Bobcat was making friends outside of his already existing circle.

“I would say the thing I was scared of most was making friends in the new environment,” Jung said. “I came to OU with a majority of my friends from high school. … We all were actually in the same dorm. I guess that’s probably what I was most scared of: meeting friends outside of that friend group.”

Jung said his first year experience at OU turned out great. He joined a fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, and met a lot of new people. Jung said he felt the fraternity helped him meet new friends he wouldn’t have otherwise met.

His advice to incoming freshmen was to put themselves out there and join an organization. He specifically advised going to the Welcome Weekend Involvement Fair held on College Green at the beginning of the year.

Additionally, he advised that simply going to class goes a long way.

“95 percent of the job is going into class and getting all the information,” Jung said.

Sydney Hansen, a rising sophomore studying geology, said she was the most afraid of being away from her family for the first time.

“I was just kind of nervous about being on my own for the first time ever, so if I had … some sort of issue, what I would do to solve it?” Hansen said. “Because I wouldn’t have the help from my family, necessarily, like I usually do.”

Hansen said her biggest advice to freshmen was to put themselves out there and not be afraid to leave their family.

“Don’t be afraid to leave your family because they’re always going to be there for you in the end,” Hansen said.

“So if you do have issues, you can call them, and they’re always going to try their best to help, like they do back at home, and you’re gonna make a ‘new family’ here, too.”

Hansen said her college experience has exceeded her expectations.

Tyler Lewis, a rising junior studying corporate finance, management strategic leadership and business analytics, said some of his biggest fears were branching out from high school friends and getting over-involved.

“Part of me starting college was that I was afraid to start too many things at once, and so then I ended up not really doing anything,” Lewis said, “I mean, I did stuff but

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER not in terms of joining any organizations or clubs or anything. I didn’t want to do too many.”

Lewis’ advice to incoming freshmen was to not be afraid of branching out and introducing themselves to people.

“Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself,” Lewis said. ”If you see someone you haven’t seen before that you maybe have in one of your classes, just don’t be afraid to walk up and say ‘hi.’ Get to know them. Maybe get some coffee.”

Additionally, Lewis advises not to be afraid to get out and try new things in moderation.

“If you go to one meeting, don’t be nervous to not go back because it’s not a big deal,” Lewis said. “So if you go and you try something and you don’t like it, whatever.”

Lewis also advised freshmen to reach out to professors

if they need help because they are usually more than happy to help you.

Whitney Cope, a rising junior studying music education, said her biggest fear was that nobody would like her and that she would be unable to make friends. The situation was quite the opposite for Cope, and now her best advice would be to take every opportunity to meet people.

“I think it was really easy to make friends, and now they’re going to be like my lifelong supporters,” Cope said. “It was really easy to find ways to spend time with them.”

@THATDBEMYLUCK TB040917@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

An org for everyone OU student orgs work to provide a space for every culture, gender, identity Center. We want to work to advocate for every Bobcat.”

Mullen added that the Interfaith Project isn’t just for those who practice a religion.

Agnostics and atheists enjoy the group, too.

“Just because you don’t subscribe to a religion doesn’t mean you don’t have a worldview,” Mullen said. “It’s a place (for people) to go and voice their opinions and concerns … We just want to provide a forum for that.”

KERI JOHNSON ASST. CULTURE EDITOR With over 550 student organizations at Ohio University, there’s essentially a group for everyone. Especially for students who may find themselves feeling culturally alone or outcast. Luckily for freshmen and any news students, many of these organizations will be represented at Welcome Weekend’s Involvement Fair on College Green.

OU is diverse in its student base as it is in its organizations. Many student orgs work to make a second home for new students. Here are a few orgs that spoke to The Post about who they are and what they do:

EMPOWERED

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT UNION

The International Student Union, or ISU, is an umbrella organization for all international students and organizations, M.M. Chumbow, PR and marketing director at ISU, said in a message.

ISU fosters inclusivity and intercultural exchange, Chumbow explained.

“The organization stands as an advocate of unity, diversity and global mindset in the campus. Further, ISU provides funding to its member organizations to cultivate cross-cultural understanding,” Chumbow said in a message.

ISU puts on many events throughout the year, but one of its staples is the annual International Dinner, or IDinner, Chumbow added. “(The International Dinner is) an occasion featuring meals, music, dance and performances presented by the Ohio University community from around the world,” Chumbow said in a message.

“The event is open for Ohio University students and administration, as well the Athens community.”

Another annual event ISU puts on is International Week. During the spring, ISU presents a whole week of events promoting global engagement, Chumbow said. “(International Week) features several panels on global issues, different opportunities to try out food and music from different cultures, as well as the Street Fair, which takes place at the end of the week and is open to all vendors and the entire Athens community,” Chumbow said in a message.

ISU is welcome to all international stu12 / SUMMER 2020

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER dents and organizations, as well as other student orgs, Chumbow said.

community to fall back on, that there are people here to help them get acclimated.”

INDIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION

INTERFAITH PROJECT

The Indian Students Association, or ISA, works to spread cultural awareness, Previn Pandey, president of ISA, said. The ISA holds a couple big events each semester. In the fall, they celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. In the spring, they celebrate Holi, the festival of colors.

“One of the main reasons why we put on these events throughout the year is to spread cultural awareness about India and Indian culture and have Indians represented within the OU community,” Pandey said.

Last year’s Indian Cultural Night had a great turnout, Puneet Sundar, treasurer of ISA, said. A total 340 people came out to the Baker Ballroom to celebrate, he said.

Indian Cultural Night happened to be on Diwali, too.

ISA is sponsored by ISU, Pandey added.

ISU is ISA’s overarching organization. For Pandey there are some unique nuances to being an Indian student at OU. ISA’s goal is to help people get the resources they need when they come to OU, from places to stay to rides to the airport. “(We want OU to) feel like home (for Indian students),” Pandey said. “(We want them to) feel comfortable — feel like they have a

The Interfaith Project is a relatively new organization. It is a radically-inclusive student org whose goal is to help and grow with fellow Bobcats, Audrey Mullen, co-president of the Interfaith Project, said.

The Interfaith Project kicked off with a dine-and-discuss on religion, Mullen, a rising senior studying history, explained.

“We are basically a group that happened because I am Lutheran and one of my friends is Jewish and we were talking about how there’s a lot of misconceptions about both religions from both sides,” Mullen said. “A lot of conversations like (asking) ‘is that what you believe?’ I learned a lot, she learned a lot. It’s interesting to talk about different perspectives, beliefs and stuff.”

Mullen said the group wanted to be a discussion-based organization where everyone can learn about each other as human beings, something we all have in common.

She said the Interfaith Project wants to expand and possibly work toward advocacy and diversity on campus.

“A lot of religions have a history of persecution,” Mullen said. “(We’d) like to work with the LGBT Center ... we want to work with the Women’s Center, Multicultural

emPOWERed is a newer student org, too, Shea Shelton, president of emPOWERed, said. emPOWERed is an organization for women-identifying individuals.

The group helps women build professional skills through activities such as resume workshops, but also works to do fun social events like going out for meals together. emPOWERed holds weekly meetings in Baker, Shelton, a rising senior studying Spanish education, added. “(It’s) a fun space for women to hang out,” Shelton said. emPOWERed organizes fundraisers and events, like yoga sessions or Chipotle fundraisers for the group. emPOWERed also does local work; early last semester they made Valentine’s Day cards for My Sister’s Place, a nearby women’s and children’s shelter.

While the org aims to be an empowering space for women-identifying people, nobody will be turned down from emPOWERed, Shelton said. This fall, she hopes emPOWERed does more fundraising and possibly hosts a date party. emPOWERed will be at the Involvement Fair this fall, too.

AND MANY MORE...

To find more student orgs, check out BobcatConnect or the Campus Involvement Center. Or, students can get hands-on experience by attending the Student Involvement Fair at this year’s Welcome Weekend.

@_KERIJOHNSON KJ153517@OHIO.EDU

Students shrink stress Faculty, students give advice for alleviating college stress, homesickness LAUREN SERGE FOR THE POST Despite the excitement that going to college can bring, transitioning to a new environment and lifestyle can be daunting. Luckily, Ohio University students and faculty offer a plethora of opportunities and advice for incoming freshmen to reduce their feelings of loneliness and increase their sense of comfort.

Brittney Burchett, a rising junior studying psychology pre-law, is the president and co-founder of Live Positive, a student organization that highlights positivity amid the stress of college. While the organization is open to everyone, Burchett elaborated on how it specifically benefits incoming freshmen.

“Live Positive really tries to gear towards freshman as a safe place for people to hang out because we know how stressful it can be, so we strive to bring more positivity to their lifestyle,” Burchett said. “The purpose is to take a break from your busy schedules and focus on yourself.”

Jeffrey Anzo, a rising graduate student, is the president and founder of The Self Discovery Club. This club works to aid students who feel lost in college and guide them toward

their true interests. Anzo emphasized the significance of the club to freshmen in particular.

“It’s become mainly designed for freshmen despite being open to everyone,” Anzo said.

“It’s turned into a place for them to come to for weekly workshops that give them tools that they perhaps weren’t getting other places on campus and showing them how to love themselves and how to tap into what they actually want to do.”

Char Kopchick, the assistant dean of students for campus involvement, described the inclusion of diverse student organizations to properly represent and suit each new year of students.

“There’s a reason we have over 600 student organizations,” Kopchick said. “It’s because we want students to find individuals who have similar interests so they feel that connectedness, and they can see themselves as part of the university.”

Kopchick believes that getting involved in organizations will be a major asset to students and will be the driving force of their fond memories of OU. “When you graduate and you’re out of school five years and you close your eyes, and you think back to Ohio University, you’re not going to be thinking about sitting in a class-

room,” Kopchick said. “You’re gonna be thinking about all of the individuals and experiences you had and the connections you made because of your involvement.”

While there are a variety of opportunities on campus, Anzo said this can sometimes be overwhelming. However, he assured that any setbacks only help students to discover the best fit for them.

Aside from student organizations, there are many other areas at OU that assist in getting freshmen better acquainted. Megan Rose, a rising junior studying integrated social studies education, advised incoming freshmen to seek out learning communities during their first year.

“Joining a learning community is huge,” Rose said. “98% of freshmen join a learning community. I always talk about the stress of walking into a class and trying to find people to sit with. When you join a learning community, you always have those 20 people that you can sit with.”

While finding ways to socialize can decrease feelings of isolation, many students still experience homesickness while on campus. Rose, who is a tour guide and a resident assistant, explained the benefits of communicating to your peers.

“I always encourage students to reach out to the people in their hall and also reach out to their RA because whether you’re a freshman or not, you can experience homesickness,” Rose said. “So being able to talk to someone about it is a great way to make you feel less alone.”

Burchett, who is also a tour guide, emphasized that the city of Athens offers a sense of comfort that freshmen can experience as soon as they set foot onto campus.

“It’s a good feeling when you get on campus,” Burchett said. “Immediately the area felt like home to me, and it’s just the atmosphere and the environment that helps you to know that it’s a right fit for you.”

@LAURENESERGE LS351117@OHIO.EDU

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Local music thrives in Athens A brief introduction into music in Athens KERI JOHNSON ASST. CULTURE EDITOR

Many students say one of the most exciting things about being an Ohio University freshman is getting to know Athens. The city seems to serve every interest, but none as especially well as music.

From Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch in neighboring Meigs County to the Nelsonville Music Festival, Athens and Southeast Ohio have a rich, flourishing music scene. But one doesn’t have to venture out of Uptown to find groovy tunes. In fact, live music can be found near or in Uptown almost every day of the week.

The Union is a local bar and music venue located on West Union in Athens, Ohio.

(KELSEY BOEING | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY) 14 / SUMMER 2020

types of people, too.

“That’s why I really love it,” Starling said.

“It’s not just college-themed. It’s usually frequented by people who aren’t content with the usual Uptown bar scene.”

Starling said the bar keeps a crowd of regulars who are locals or veterans. But many others frequent the bar, too.

“We get a lot of like rockers, alternative-type people: people who don’t fit in and don’t fit in other places,” Starling said. “Despite our differences, we all get along.”

Starling said though The Skull has a reputation for being rough, it has a familial atmosphere for regulars.

“We all look out for each other. It’s a really good place for everybody. (It’s) definitely its own community,” Starling said.

The Skull, like The Union, is an 18+ bar.

Starling encourages people to come hang out and watch some shows.

STUDENT-RUN SHOWS

Local DJ Hex performs at the Union in Athens, Ohio, on Oct. 17, 2019. The Union is one of many local Athens music venues.

(MADDIE BRYANT | FOR THE POST)

CASA NUEVA

Casa Nueva Restaurant & Cantina, 6 W. State St., hosts local music and DJ dance nights. From battle of the bands to 80s Night with DJ Barticus, Casa hosts all sorts of music. The venue also often has free, weekly early shows and a frequent open mic night.

The small stage across from the bar also gives people plenty of room to dance and move around.

THE UNION

The Union Bar and Grill, 18 W. Union St., is a staple of the Athens music scene. The two-floor bar hosts touring bands, DJs and local acts. The Union has also hosted wellknown acts such as The Black Keys and The White Stripes. Along with live music, The Union also puts on many annual shows, sometimes with student orgs: ACRN’s Battle of the Bands, Lobsterfest, Rocky Horror live, Benefest, the Big Cover-Up, Blackoutfest and more.

For Adomas Fabin, bouncer at The Union, the bar stands out from other establishments Uptown. Fabin has been working at the Union for about a year now, he said. He

transferred to OU as a 21-year-old and was immediately drawn to The Union.

“One of (our) main things is we always have about three dance nights a month with DJ Barticus and DJ Hex,” Fabin said. “November and April are our big months.”

Fabin noted specifically Dad’s and Mom’s Weekends being popular, full-house shows.

Normally, local Pink Floyd cover band Any Colour You Like plays those weekends.

The Union also hosts regular shows featuring local bands. Sometimes bands have EP release parties at the bar, too. These shows can be fun and unpredictable, Fabin said.

During Benefest this past Fall Semester, Fabin watched local band Boy Jorts’ “last” show.

“Phil Hickey (leadman of Boy Jorts) was carried out in a coffin for their alleged last show ... That show stands out really well,” Fabin said.

Another thing Fabin enjoys about the Union is that its upstairs section is an 18+ bar, which makes it a convenient venue for many freshmen. “(Underage freshmen) pay the cover and the underage cover, and then you can go anywhere,” Fabin said.

SMILING SKULL SALOON

The Smiling Skull Saloon, or The Skull, 108 W. Union St., is an Athens bar like none other. The biker bar is a smaller venue and features a large, elevated back patio. The bar also has a small stage and often hosts bands, both local and touring.

The Skull brings in a variety of music acts, Iris Starling, a bartender at The Skull, said.

From noise to oldies cover bands, The Skull has music for just about anyone.

Most weekends, the Skull features bands playing feel-good country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll, Starling, a fifth-year studying urban planning and sustainability, said. But The Skull has also hosted rap acts, bluegrass groups and jazz singers.

“We welcome diversity,” Starling said. “It kinda depends on how (a show) is received.

Some people like it; some people don’t. Since the skull is sort of a DIY venue — we don’t have a sound man; the stage is pretty small — we try to give newer artists a chance to play in front of people.”

For Starling, the bar with Harley Davidson-orange walls covered in biker photos in a college town means it serves all different

Many OU students play in their own original bands. They also hold their own concerts, usually in their own residences, called “house shows.” Athens has a thriving independent doit-yourself, or DIY, artist scene where artists look to support one another by either hosting or playing music.

DIY shows are sometimes semi-private or invite-only. Since they are in private residences, house shows sometimes are shut down for noise violations. But several venues, like The Zoo on West State, work hard to promote shows and the performing artists.

The Zoo is the home of Zoo-runner/booker John Kisor, the drummer in Athens’ bands Boy Jorts and Electric Guitar. The Zoo is becoming an acoustic venue, Kisor said.

“I’m only doing more acoustic stripped down shows,” Kisor said. “It’ll be my specialty.”

The Zoo started holding shows in 2019.

Kisor said he pulled together his resources of friends and music to put on the first show at the venue. It was very successful, Kisor said, and he just kept putting on shows from there.

He’s not sure when the next show will be, but he hopes to book touring artists and different shows with interesting music, like a strippeddown jazz trio.

Kisor prefers house shows over bars or other venues. “For me, it feels a lot more comfortable. Usually, I’ll go with friends or see a bunch of my friends. It’s nice to be able to drink somewhere basically (for) free, and it’s nice to go to different settings. Bars can be crowded and loud.”

@_KERIJOHNSON KJ153517@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15

two great minors

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JOURNALISM MINOR—OR6906 The Journalism minor offers students an overview of the role of media in society and an understanding of basic theories and practices of newsgathering and strategic communication. The minor helps students to communicate information about their major disciplines to a wide audience across multiple media platforms.

Hours required: The Journalism minor requires a minimum of 18 hours Complete the following required courses: • JOUR 1050 – Introduction to Mass Communication [2SS] • JOUR 2050 – News and Information Literacy [2SS] • JOUR 2150 – Mass Media Writing Principles • JOUR 3200 – Ethics, Mass Media & Society • JOUR 4130 – Gender, Race & Class in Journalism & Mass Media Complete ONE of the following elective courses : • JOUR 1330 – Precision Language • JOUR 2210 – Graphics of Communication • JOUR 3110 – History of American Journalism • JOUR 3140 – Fundamentals of Online Journalism • JOUR 3500 – Radio & TV Reporting and Writing [JE] • JOUR 3620 – Community Journalism

• JOUR 4190 – Legal Issues of Online Journalism • JOUR 4630 – Media and Conflicts [T3E] • JOUR 4650 – Opinion Writing [JE] • JOUR 4660 – International Mass Media [T3E] • JOUR 4810 – News Media Management

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OOL OF JOURNALISM ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MINOR—OR6928 The Advertising and Public Relations minor within the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism offers students introductory knowledge and skills needed to create purposeful communication for an organization (profit and non-profit) to fulfill its mission. This minor focuses on developing an understanding from consumer insights holistic ideas to give students detailed training in thewriting and creation of brand messaging.

Hours required: The Advertising & Public Relations minor requires a minimum of 18 hours.

Complete the following required courses: • JOUR 2150 – Mass Media Writing Principles • JOUR 2500 – Introduction to Advertising & Public Relations • JOUR 4130 – Gender, Race and Class in Journalism & Mass Media

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Complete THREE of the following courses: • JOUR 3400 – Advertising & Public Relations Research & Theory • JOUR 3750 – Media Planning and Buying • JOUR 4230 – Int’l and Cross-Cultural Advertising • JOUR 4450 – Creative Concepts • JOUR 4530 – Strategic Social Media • JOUR 4710 – Public Relations Planning • JOUR 4820 – Management for Advertising & Public Relations

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Supportive Centers Centers promote inclusivity, act as resource RILEY RUNNELLS CULTURE EDITOR Ohio University is home to many resources for students, faculty, staff and Athens residents. These resources range from professional and academic assistance, to mental health and emotional assistance. No matter the focus, various campus centers work to make OU and Athens as successful as possible.

Several resources reside right under the roof of Baker University Center, like the Women’s Center, the LGBT Center and the Multicultural Center.

The Women’s Center (Baker 403) provides opportunities for personal and professional empowerment through an intersectional, gendered lens. Though the name indicates a resource for women, the center is open to anyone and provides programming that reflects the diversity of women’s experiences in a way that’s educational to allies as well.

Geneva Murray, director of the Women’s Center, loves to empower everyone and takes pride in engaging with visitors to the center.

“We want people to feel like when they walk into the Women’s Center, there’s a sense of calm and peace, and also fun,” Murray said. “When people engage with us, they feel like they can come in and study, hang out, make friends and anything else.”

A lot of the Women’s Center program focuses on body positivity and individual empowerment. The center’s staff also brings in domestic violence awareness speakers and annually hosts Take Back the Night, a march to end sexual violence. The center also has a wide variety of leadership development programs including the ALAANA+ Women’s Leadership Cohort, as well as women’s mentoring programs and other workshops.

The LGBT Center (Baker 354) has a similar mission to the Women’s Center and provides inclusive programming and endless opportunities for its members. The LGBT Center seeks to affirm all expressions of identity, be it gender or sexuality and encourages spreading that acceptance throughout campus.

Jan Huebenthal, the assistant director of the LGBT Center, appreciates that people feel comfortable coming into the center and hanging out. People come in and do homework, make new friends and help create a safe environment in which people can thrive.

“We practice what we call ‘radical inclusion,’ which means that when somebody 18 / SUMMER 2020

Centers around campus offer inclusivity to a diverse number of people. (PHOTO STAFF)

walks through our door, we don’t ask questions or ask people to identify themselves,” Huebenthal said. “We’re really hoping to create a space where everyone feels safe and welcome.”

Most of the center’s programming is aimed toward educating LGBTQ+ people, allies, campus and Athens as a whole. The center does programs with Alden Library, HIV and AIDS education and more. One of the biggest parts of the center’s educational initiative is SafeZone training, a workshop and training seminar that familiarizes the audience with the world of sexual and gender diversity and its intersections with race, class and more in order to create a “safe zone” that supports LGBTQ+ people.

The Multicultural Center (Baker 205) is another resource on campus, geared toward increasing understanding and appreciation of cultural differences by familiarizing OU and Athens with African American, Hispanic/ Latino American, Asian American and Native American cultures. The center also acts as a safe space for people of those cultures. Like the LGBT Center and Women’s Center, allies are encouraged to get involved.

Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, the director

of the Multicultural Center, takes pride in the programming provided through the center and space for people to come in and talk about any challenges they’re facing.

Her goal is to act as an ally for those utilizing the center.

“We describe our center as a place for teaching and learning, and we provide programming training for faculty, staff and students around microaggression and implicit bias,” Chunnu-Brayda said.

Chunnu-Brayda and the Multicultural Center staff bring in speakers and performers and collaborate with other centers, as well as academic departments and local organizations, for events. The staff especially likes to provide programming revolving around specific heritage months like Hispanic Heritage Month, American Indian Heritage Month, Black History Month Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and others.

Though most of the programming from each center is geared toward the groups it represents, each center prides itself on being inclusive toward all people, especially allies.

Anyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in and support these centers.

“I think if we’re going to make our cam-

pus inclusive and safe for everybody, then it’s really allies who are part and parcel of that,” Huebenthal said. “Our programs are there for anybody who’s interested, and that is completely independent of individual people.”

These centers are just three examples of a plethora of resources within Baker and on campus. Whether someone is a part of a group a center represents, allies or just curious, Murray, Huebenthal and Chunnu-Brayda all encourage people to get involved.

“In the beginning of the school year, I’m always so excited to see our incoming class,” Chunnu-Brayda said. “But also our students who are in their second, third, fourth or even fifth year, who have never been to the center, so I am always particularly excited in the fall to see all of the new faces and the excitement around people coming into the space. I’m hoping that people will come in.”

@RILEYR44 RR855317@OHIO.EDU

Enjoying Exercise

OU offers countless fitness opportunities for students LILY ROBY STAFF WRITER The moment new students step foot onto Ohio University’s campus, they should strive to be as active and healthy as possible. From weekend adventure trips to scheduled exercise classes, Campus Recreation offers countless opportunities designed for students looking to either get out or simply just get fit.

“Within our program, we have several different opportunities for students to get involved with,” Anthony Gregory, assistant director of well-being and fitness, said. “All of our personal trainers, all of our student employees, all of our staff in general at Campus Recreation are all certified, possessing a nationally recognized certification. Personal training is one of those.”

Through the personal training service at Ping Recreation Center, students looking to get in shape can purchase a package for a select number of sessions in order to work with a personal trainer toward their wellness and fitness goals. Those interested in a free workout can participate in small group classes instead. Some of the classes offered for free at Ping are yoga, cardio dance and cycling.

“Our biggest, most popular types of classes are group fitness,” Gregory said, highlighting the new F45 program, which will be available for membership in the fall.

“F45 is a functional training class, so there are different types of workouts within the program, and you’ll never do the same workout twice.”

Another important resource offered by Campus Recreation is the fitness equipment orientation program, a completely free service that teaches students how to utilize the different pieces of equipment in Ping.

“We are a 170,000-square-foot facility, so there’s a ton of fitness equipment,” Gregory said. “Some students their first semester on campus may have never been in a fitness facility, depending on their background. The goal of orientation is to provide students with a sense of comfort and confidence in being able to utilize the fitness equipment so that they can understand how to start working towards health and wellness.”

Those more interested in getting outdoors should look into OU’s Outdoor Pursuits program, which is overseen

by Judd Walker, assistant director of Campus Recreation. This program offers day- and weekend-long excursion opportunities for students to explore the world outside of Athens.

“Outdoor Pursuits offers a program called New Adventures for incoming first-year students,” Walker said in an email. “We take a group of 28 freshmen to the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota and Canada for a week-long canoeing expedition. It’s a great way for first-year students to kick off their college experience with an adventure that preps them for being a Bobcat.”

Outdoor Pursuits provides long hiking, canoeing and bouldering trips to Strouds Run, Hocking Hills, Lake Hope State Park, Sells Park, The Ridges and even farther locations, such as Florida. High and low rope challenge programs and the Ping climbing wall are also available to students through this section of Campus Recreation.

“We have local and out-of-state trips for all experience levels,” Walker said in an email. “Our programs are designed for students who are looking for adventure and want to step out of their comfort zone a bit.”

More structured activities are offered through competitive sports, a combined program of intramural and club sports. Intramurals are leagues or one-day tournaments organized between students, faculty and staff while club sports are year-long investments for students looking to really get into a specific sport, such as tennis or golf. Most club sports at OU travel to compete with other schools.

Nathan Ferdinand, assistant director for competitive sports and community programming, said intramural sports is certainly the more relaxed version of athletics, designed for participants of all skill levels.

“Every one of our sports offers a ‘competitive’ and ‘recreational’ league based on skill level and what you want to get out of your participation,” Ferdinand said. “Our program tries to offer some smaller team options at the beginning of the year, such as 4v4 mini soccer and 2v2 sand volleyball, so that those who are new to campus can ask just a few people around them to join with them.”

Athens also provides countless places to go hiking or running on your own, such as Hocking Hills or the Hock-

hocking Adena Bikeway. There are many ways to get out and get some exercise.

“We’re in a very beautiful part of Ohio, so I’d encourage anyone to take in the scenery as often as they can during their time here, wherever you find ‘your spot,’” Ferdinand said. “People should look to some of our student organizations housed in the Campus Involvement Center that might offer some opportunities to gather near campus for fitness or outdoor recreation. The students who lead them are really passionate about what they do, and knowledge gets passed down through those organizations year to year. Athens overall is a very tightknit community, so you’re never far from someone who shares the same interests. Ask around, and you’ll find what you’re looking for.”

@THELILYROBY LR158117@OHIO.EDU

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

FOOTBALL

5 returning players that will be crucial to the Bobcats in 2020 After the departure of greats like Nathan Rourke and Javon Hagan, the Bobcats have to reevaluate the talent in their locker room J.L. KIRVEN SPORTS EDITOR

Ohio’s quarterback Nathan Rourke (No. 12) hands the ball to running back De’Montre Tuggle (No. 24) in the third quarter of the first Mid-American Conference against the Buffalo Bulls in Buffalo, New York, on Friday, Oct. 5, 2019. (NATE SWANSON | PHOTO EDITOR)

Ohio University may not have the biggest c As the page turns toward another season, Ohio must evaluate the talent it still has in its locker room. 2019 was the last year for Ohio greats such as Nathan Rourke, Javon Hagan and Louie Zervos and while their departure forces the Bobcats to adjust drastically, it’ll also give a few returnees the opportunity to shine.

Here are five returning Bobcats that are primed for a big 2020.

CAM ODOM Whoever is playing quarterback for the Bobcats in 2020 is going to want to become best friends with Cam Odom. Odom, a redshirt senior, is back for one last go-around with the Bobcats and he has a lot to prove after a disappointing junior season. Hampered by a nagging toe injury he received in week 6, Odom’s impact on the field was hindered. He finished the season with a career-low 19 catches for 207 yards and zero touchdowns.

ing nine out of 11 starters, it could keep its groove in 2020. One player that could make the process easier is linebacker Jared Dorsa. Dorsa, a redshirt senior, was third-highest on the team in tackles (34) and will be a key staple in improving second-year defensive coordinator Ron Collins’ defense. He won’t be able to do it alone, though. Luckily for him, the Bobcats have a stud on the defensive line that could create problems for opposing offenses.

AUSTIN CONRAD Austin Conrad led the Bobcats in sacks (4) last season and he has the potential to improve those numbers. Since arriving in Athens with the intention to play tight end, Conrad has excelled since switching to defensive end in 2017. Every year his sack totals have gone up and it’s likely they’ll continue to rise as he enters his senior season.

DE’MONTRE TUGGLE AND O’SHAAN ALLISON Ohio’s offensive philosophy is running the football, and if it wants to do that well it’ll put the ball in the hands of De’Montre Tuggle and O’Shaan Allison. Now that Rourke is gone, Tuggle and Allison most likely will be the focal point of the offense in 2020. That But 2020 could be the fresh start Odom needs. He underwent surgery shift in focus could mean a lot of points for the Bobcats. In 2019, the backfield tandem on his toe in March and is primed to return to form this season. With combined for 1,513 yards and 17 touchdowns on 239 carries. With Rourke gone, a larger other returnees such as Isiah Cox, Shane Hooks and Jerome Buckner, bulk of the carries will transfer over to Tuggle and Allison.

Ohio’s wide receivers have the potential to be one of the best units on the team and Odom’s experience could put the group over the top.

JARED DORSA Ohio’s defense was inconsistent for most of 2019, but since it’s return-

20 / SUMMER 2020

@JL_KIRVEN JK810916@OHIO.EDU

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

All or Nothing When the Bobcats retake the court, whether that be in 2020 or not, it will be all or nothing SCOTT THOMAS STAFF WRITER

Ohio guard Erica Johnson drives toward the basket with pressure from Akron’s Kendall Miller during the Bobcats’ victory in The Convo on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. (JESSE JARROLD-GRAPES | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) When the Bobcats left the floor on March 11, they didn’t know that their Mid-American Conference Championship run was over.

At the time, Ohio was looking at an extremely optimistic path to the NCAA Tournament. All the team had to do was get past Toledo, whom it had already beaten in 2020 by 28 points, to return to the MAC Championship game for the second-straight season. The Bobcats were back to playing their best basketball after a hard skid at the end of the regular season.

Like the 2019 season, Ohio’s season was cut just short of its goal. In 2020, the team’s motto was “Unfinished Business.” The Bobcats didn’t get to finish that business, as the coronavirus pandemic struck.

When the Bobcats retake the court, whether that be in 2020 or not, it will be all or nothing. The 2020-2021 season will be the last of the Erica Johnson and Cece Hooks era. It will be the final chance for Ohio’s two stars to win that elusive conference championship.

It may also be their best chance.

The Bobcats will be returning almost their entire roster. While they lost perhaps their two best three-point shooters in Katie Barker and Amani Burke, they will still

retain Johnson and Hooks. Ohio will also still have Gabby Burris, who is a 1,000 point scorer. Caitlyn Kroll will likely step into the starting role vacated by Burke.

Up and coming for the Bobcats will be Peyton Guice, who established herself as a strong defensive player and began to fit in more in the offense late in the season.

Along with her is Jasmine Hale, who sat out the season after transferring from Wisconsin.

The Bobcats will need to rebound from what was an uncharacteristically weak defense. Ohio ranked 256th in the nation for scoring defense, despite having the two-time MAC Defensive Player of the Year, Hooks. Hooks ranked fifth in the nation last season with 106 steals.

A concern for Ohio will be consistency. Without Burke and Barker, someone will have to step up from the threepoint line. Another concern for the Bobcats will be Central Michigan.

The Chippewas, who were upset by Toledo in the MAC Tournament, were by far the MAC’s best team during the regular season and the only team to beat Ohio twice. Central Michigan is only losing one starter, and the reigning MAC Player of the Year, Micaela Kelly, will be a senior.

Kelly was the fifth-leading scorer in the country with 21.5

points per game.

Central Michigan will be the favorite to win the conference, a position that Ohio was in entering the 20192020 season.

The Bobcats won’t have the obvious external pressure to win the conference that comes with being chosen to win before the season, but the pressure will still be there.

It will be the senior year of two of Ohio’s best players ever in Hooks and Burris. It will also probably be the best team that Johnson, who is on pace for 2,000 points, will ever be on. The upcoming season holds an opportunity for the Bobcats to be one of the nation’s best mid-major teams.

The Bobcats may enter the season as somewhat of an underdog, but it will not seem like it. Ohio has one of the most talented teams in the MAC and can beat anybody.

This season will be championship or bust.

@SCOTT_CTHOMAS11 ST610417@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

SWIMMING & DIVING

Returning Stars Analyzing the 2020 season’s assets other honors regularly, including an impressive first place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke against a No. 19 ranked team in Akron.

MADELINE MARKS The sophomore from Arkansas was successful this year, having finished in first place in the 200yard butterfly against Marshall.

Throughout the past season, she has competed in the 200-yard medley relay, the 200yard butterfly, the 100yard butterfly and the 200-yard freestyle relay.

TAYLOR MILLER Miller put up quite an impressive year for diving. Entering her junior year, she has competed in both the one-meter and three-meter dive events.

She suffered a concussion in December but came back and consistently finished in first place.

Ohio’s Emma Fortman competes in the 200-yard backstroke during the meet versus Ball State on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Athens, Ohio. Ohio won 188.5-110.5. (ANTHONY WARNER | FOR THE POST)

ZACH ZIMMERMAN FOR THE POST

year coach Mason Norman. The Bobcats have a bright future ahead of them with these swimmers and divers.

After a seventh-place finish at the 2020 Mid-American Conference Championships, Ohio’s swimming and diving team will look to improve in the future.

However, having completed the 2019-20 season, the Bobcats will lose several seniors, including Emilia Lahtinen, who was a key swimmer in multiple events.

As they head toward the upcoming season, they look to several seniors, including Katherine Garrity and Samantha Glass, as they try to build off impressive performances from late this past season, including team victories against Ball State and Marshall.

The younger swimmers and divers who put up impressive performances all throughout the 2019-20 season will also be key to continued success under third-

EMMA FORTMAN The sophomore who competed in the 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle and 200yard freestyle relay has been considered a bright spot for Ohio. She was named MAC Co-Freshman Swimmer of the Year after having put up several victories on top of many other podium finishes.

22 / SUMMER 2020

MCKENZIE GRAU Grau has also been considered an important piece of the Bobcats’ future. Also a sophomore, she competed in the 200-yard medley relay, 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard IM. She was consistent all throughout the 2019-20 season, putting up wins and

SAM BAILEY A sophomore from the Cayman Islands, Bailey competed in the 200-yard backstroke and the 200yard freestyle relay. She swam in the freestyle relay alongside Katherine Garrity and provided consistent performances.

MAYA CONTE Also a sophomore, Conte competed in the 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay as well as the 50-yard freestyle.

OU’s swimming and diving team has a lot of room for improvement. That is something it can certainly do as the 2020-21 season approaches. It looks to rely on its group of younger swimmers and divers who return with experience.

@OFFICIAL_ZZ_ ZZ648318@OHIO.EDU

FIELD HOCKEY

How the Bobcats can replicate its 2019 success Ohio is hoping to grow after one of its best seasons in nearly a decade ELI FEAZELL SLOT EDITOR After one of its best regular seasons in nearly a decade, Ohio will look to grow its success in 2020.

The Bobcats finished the 2019 regular season at 8-7. It was the first time the team finished with a winning record since 2011.

Unfortunately for Ohio, the Bobcats’ postseason came to a quick end after losing 5-4 to Appalachian State in the first round of the Mid-American Conference tournament. After entering the tournament as the No. 3 seed, the Bobcats were expected to go much further.

Some of Ohio’s biggest highlights of last season included a four-goal comeback against Appalachian State and defeating Big Ten opponent Indiana in overtime. Those victories, along with the winning record, were impressive for second-year head

coach Ali Johnstone.

Last year, Ohio was led by its offense, which was top-ranked in the MAC. The Bobcats led the conference in goals per game (2.43) and shots on goal (8.94).

The Bobcats will be without Kendall Ballard, Karynne Baker, Brittany Keen and Amy Edgerton in 2020 due to graduation.

Ballard will be the toughest loss for Ohio.

In 2019, she led the team in goals with 10 — two of which were game-winners. Ballard also led the MAC in average points per game. It was clear that her contributions to the team were a vital part of Ohio having the conference’s top-ranked offense.

Baker, who had five goals in her senior year, is also a big loss for the Bobcats. Without two of their top weapons, how can the Bobcats keep their offense in the top spot in the conference?

The answer comes in the form of three promising returnees: Leah Warren, Emma

Spinetto and Jillian Shive. Together, the trio combined for over a third of the team’s goals last year and will be expected to play an even bigger role in 2020. All of them will be seniors, as well, so they’ll also be able to use their experience to guide the younger players.

While Ohio’s offense was strong in 2019, its defense was lackluster in comparison.

Even though the Bobcats played fewer games than any other MAC team, they allowed the second-most goals (41) in the conference — second only to Central Michigan’s downright dreadful 75. The Bobcats also had the lowest save percentage in the MAC (65%).

It’s not as if the defense was consistently bad all season, however. The Bobcats shut out three of their opponents and didn’t allow more than two goals in their last six games. The problem with the defense lied in the fact that there were many games in

which it allowed the opposing offense to get going on a roll.

The best example of this problem was during Ohio’s 6-1 loss to Ohio State. The Buckeyes only led 1-0 heading into the fourth quarter, but then scored five straight goals to put the match out of reach.

If Ohio wants to hold its ground against bigger opponents and in the MAC Tournament, it can’t lose its composure and allow teams to go on big runs as Ohio State did.

After a mediocre first season with a 5-12 finish, Johnstone improved her team to a winning regular season her second year.

If the offense can stay consistent from last year and the defense looks more like it did in the second half of 2019 than the first half, then everyone should expect even more improvement from the Bobcats in 2020.

@ELIFEAZ EF195418@OHIO.EDU

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Looking back From a third straight bowl win to a four-point comeback, here are Ohio’s most memorable sports moments from 2019-2020 JACK GLECKER | SPORTS EDITOR

With a new year on the horizon, The Post wanted to take a look back at a handful of the best moments in Ohio athletics from the last year. In no particular order, here are five highlights from 2019-2020: Football: Ohio wins the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl If there’s one thing Frank Solich can do for Ohio, it’s win bowl games.

After a shaky 6-6 regular season, the Bobcats were still able to make a bowl appearance in Boise, Idaho in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

Although not having played a game in over a month, the Bobcats showed they still had gas in the tank by taking an early 11 point lead. Even when Nevada managed a rally in the fourth quarter, Ohio held on for the 30-21 victory. Quarterback Nathan

Rourke, who was voted MVP in the Potato Bowl, finished 9-for-17 with 144 passing yards and 87 yards on 10 carries.

Ohio’s win in the Potato Bowl marked its third consecutive bowl win, a first in program history.

Men’s Basketball: Ohio’s 67-65 win over Miami Ohio had plenty of growing pains last season with a new head coach and a young roster that needed to mature quickly. As the Bobcats prepared for their final game of the regular season against Miami, their hopes for a home game in the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament hung in the balance.

Ohio got their game in the Convo. A stellar fourth-quarter performance by Jason

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Ohio University football coach, Frank Solich, has lead his team to three bowl game wins in his career. (ANTHONY WARNER | FOR THE POST)

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Preston lifted the Bobcats enough to tie the game with less than two minutes left.

Freshman Miles Brown set the Bobcats victory in stone with a putback.

as soon as she did. She has the sixth-most service aces in program history and led the MAC in service aces per set leading up to the match against Akron.

Ohio’s victory over Miami encapsulated the young team’s growth from the beginning of the year to the MAC Tournament

Hockey: Mason Koster’s near shutout of Lindenwood Koster was strictly a backup goalie for much of last season until he was thrust into a starting position.

Volleyball: Lizzie Stephens’ service ace to beat Akron.

Stephens’ ace secured not only the Bobcats’ victory over the Zips, but also earned Ohio the No. 5 seed in the MAC Tournament and a winning conference record.

Stephens was absent from the roster for over a month, but her dominance returned

Midway through the season, starter Jimmy Thomas was temporarily suspended due to a fight with a player from Calvin. Koster had to start during one of the most important series of Ohio’s season, an away series against Lindenwood The second game in the series proved

to be one of Koster’s best performances of his career. Koster made 47 saves on 49 shots against a Lindenwood offense that was considered among the best in the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

Field Hockey: Ohio’s four-goal comeback against Appalachian State In her second season as head coach Ali Johnstone breathed new life into a program that hadn’t had a winning season since 2011.

Perhaps the Bobcats most memorable win in 2019 came thanks to a 6-5 comeback against Appalachian State on September 20. Down 5-2 with less than three minutes left in regulation, the Bobcats rallied three quick goals to force the game into overtime at the very least.

That was until Ohio drew a penalty corner and a set up by Emma Spinetto gave Leah Warren the opening she needed to seal the win for the Bobcats. It was an early season win for the Bobcats, but easily their most memorable match of the 2019 season.

@ THEJACKGLECKLER JG011517@OHIO.EDU

Top Left: Ohio’s outside hitter Lizzie Stephens (No. 3) reaches for the ball in a match against Akron held at The Convo on Nov. 16, 2019.

(NATE SWANSON| PHOTO EDITOR) Top Right: Ohio goalie Mason Koster (31) makes a stop against Calvin. Koster got some ice time after Sr. Jimmy Thomas was ejected from the 4-3 loss against Calvin in Bird Arena on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020.

(Jesse Jarrold-Grapes | Staff Photographer) Bottom Right: Ohio’s Ben Vander Plas drives past Miami’s Nike Sibande during the Ohio versus Miami match in The Convocation Center on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. The Bobcats won the game 77-46.

(Anthony Warner | for the post) THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 25

NOAH’S ARK:

First Gen students, you belong here, too

NOAH WRIGHT is a rising senior studying strategic communication at Ohio University. had nobody to call at home when I wondered how to get involved, how to meet people or how to succeed. It wasn’t easy, but I learned a lot, and you will, too.

Being a first generation college student can Orientation is a simultaneously chaotic and be a daunting experience. For me, my parents had both attended college without completion, frightening but exciting and thrilling experience. For first generation students, this is but they did it while living close to home, and our first taste of the real world. It is a world very few of my high school friends had left home for school. Arriving at Ohio University — a outside our hometowns where many of us felt destined to remain for the rest of our lives. It’s school pretty far from where I’m from — for the first taste of every amazing opportunity and orientation was an intimidating and isolating experience that is just a few short months away. experience at first.

My first days at Ohio University felt more like Despite this, there will most likely be feelings of insecurity, self-doubt and uncertainty. Through challenges, and looking back, I’m glad it was all this, it’s important to remember that you bethat way. First generation students are often long here. Just because you didn’t grow up with thrown into a new world with no safety net of parents who have degrees doesn’t make you any parents who know exactly how to navigate it. I

less deserving of this than someone who did.

Millions of first gen students arrive on campuses across the country every year, but this doesn’t mean the playing field is even for us.

One-third of college students are first gen, but 25% drop out after one year, 56% have no degree after six years of college education and the average household first-gen students’ income is $40,000 versus $90,000 for those whose parents hold degrees.

First-gen students are likely to take on more debt, struggle to afford college and graduate late or not at all. This is only one-half of the challenge, though. From personal experience, college was overwhelming and still can be. I often found myself struggling in ways many of my peers did not. From affording new supplies and books to navigating administration, I always felt one step behind many of my peers.

Despite all this, coming to OU has been the most positive experience of my life. As long as you come in with an open mind and enthusiasm for every single thing you do, everything will be fine. In the first weeks, get involved however you want. It’s important to remember going to a meeting never hurts.

Sign up for as many organizations as you’d like, and go to all the meetings until you’ve found a favorite or two.

Also, don’t stress about your major. Take the widest range of classes you can. You’ll have to take gen eds anyway, so you should explore all of your options. The new world of academia was so exciting to me that I’ve changed my major four — yes, four — times. I’m glad it went that way — it’s not a path I’d recommend to everyone — but it allowed me to truly find something I’m passionate about, and that should be everyone’s goal. You’re probably paying too much to be here (I definitely am), so you might as well do what you love.

Above all else, never stop exploring who you are. This is a time to grow and expand your worldview beyond where you came from. You’ll have an experience nobody in your family likely has, and that’s an amazing thing. Get involved, meet as many people as you can and never stop learning new things. Above all else, remember, you belong here, too.

Noah Wright is a rising senior studying strategic communication at Ohio University.

Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post.

Want to talk to Noah? Tweet him @NoahCampaign.

Online schooling brings new challenges and problems, especially for the ill-prepared Make sure to balance your in-person classes and your online ones JACK HILTNER FOR THE POST

The year 2020 can be summed up in one word: transition. Whether a school year was cut short or events were canceled altogether, changes have been made swiftly and across the board; including methods of teaching. Schooling consists of how the professors, teachers, instructors, etc. conduct themselves in transmitting the necessary information to their students, but the other half is how the students learn and whether they’re staying up-todate in the latest classwork.

College offers many forms of freedom that are often taken for granted, at least they used to be. While you may not be walking to class, making sure you’re “present,” even in an online format, is 26 / SUMMER 2020

crucial. Don’t discount an entire class just because it’s only offered online, odds are that it was either online or not at all.

Another important aspect of online learning is creating a routine. Don’t sleep in until 12 p.m. just because you can, create a daily routine that mimics normalcy as much as possible. Create a schedule that is conducive to your education as much as possible. Just because things aren’t back to normal doesn’t mean that you should let the day slip away.

Organizing your assignments is also a priority in remaining on top of your assignments. Sometimes it can feel cluttered with various tabs open in your browser, each pertaining to different classes, so don’t feel afraid to revert to the classic pen and paper. Writing down due dates and assignments for each class can help with an orderly and concise environment.

Make sure to balance your in-person

classes and your online ones. Set aside time for both and study for your online class as if you were physically there. Don’t let the stigma surrounding online education affect the level of effort you dedicate to your studies. Juggling both types of formats can be confusing at times so don’t hesitate to take a step back and evaluate what you need to do.

In summary, handling online classes is new and unexplored for some of us, but it doesn’t have to be crippling. Here are some tips to make your transition a little easier:

1. Recognize that your online classes are

still important and useful.

2. Create a routine that allows time for class, studying and most importantly, yourself.

3. Organize your workload, see what needs to be done and put it in order by the due date.

4. Write it down. Take a moment and write down whatever you think might slip your mind, it’ll help you remember.

5. Create time to study for your online classes, don’t ignore them because you don’t physically go to a lecture hall or lab.

6. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors. Office hours exist for a reason, use them!

@JACKHILTNER JH396418@OHIO.EDU

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6 ways to create a routine in college A guide to keeping everything together (or look like you are) JILLIAN CRAIG FOR THE POST Transitioning from a high school routine to a college routine can be challenging. For many incoming students, they have to transition from taking classes for seven hours straight to only taking classes for a few hours a day and being left with, what seems like, unlimited free time. When left with a lot of free time, it’s easy to lose all sense of time management. To remedy that, here are six ways you can create a routine in college:

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN

It’s easy to forget events, homework, tests and everything in between at college. The best way to avoid forgetting is to write it down. For some people, that might be keeping track of everything via apps on their phone, but for others that might be keeping a full-blown planner. Regardless of the method picked, just make sure to write everything down.

PLAN OUT YOUR UPCOMING WEEK ON THE WEEKEND

Before the week even starts, take time to look at everything coming up. Pay attention to when tests, events, homework and projects are due so you avoid any “surprise” tests during the week. This is especially helpful for people who are balancing classes with work and extracurricular activities.

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ESTABLISH MORNING AND NIGHT ROUTINES

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During the semester, it can be easy to lose track of time when doing your homework at night. For some people, this is not a problem, but for most people they need a full night’s rest to be able to stay awake in class the next day. To make going to bed and waking up easier, make a ritual for each. Nighttime rituals can include reading, meditation or watching an episode of your favorite TV show. Morning rituals can include stretching, going to workout at Ping or starting your day with reading the news. Whatever you decide for your ritual, stick to it every day.

SET TIME ASIDE DURING YOUR DAY FOR STUDYING

This seems pretty obvious, but it is easy to choose to hammock outside or hang out with friends at a time when you should be

ILLUSTRATION BY MARY BERGER studying. It doesn’t have to be a long time, but deciding to study and work on homework either right after classes or right after dinner will help keep your grades up and create a routine of taking time to focus on classes.

SET ASIDE TIME TO RELAX

It’s important to be focused on classes, but it’s especially important to take time for yourself as well. There are plenty of ways to relax and take time for yourself: take a walk on the bike path, go to a fitness class at Ping, check out one of the many events offered through the Performing Arts and Concert series or watch a movie at The Athena. Taking a break from classes and work is good for keeping a healthy balance between work and social life.

MAKE TIME FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Making time for physical activity is good for more than just avoiding the freshman 15.

Whether it’s walking, a class at Ping or playing an intramural sport, getting your body moving for 30-60 minutes every day is good for your physical and mental health. Regular exercise helps prevent the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and has other physical benefits. Mentally, exercise has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression.

So, it’s a good idea to pencil in some time to get moving during the day.

@JILLIANCRAIG18 JC986517@OHIO.EDU

Tunes to put a pep in your step 7 perfect songs to accompany your walk to class BRE OFFENBERGER COPY CHIEF Syllabus week is a strange time. Professors throw a lot at you, and you may not know anyone in your classes. It can be a stressful first few days, but music is always there to be your safe haven. Here is a playlist, full of songs for every mood, that can help you get through your first week of classes: WHEN YOU NEED SOME ENERGY: “PASSED YOU BY” BY CHICANO BATMAN “Passed You By” by Chicano Batman has everything you could ever ask for from a song: silky guitars, gorgeous backing vocals and a subtle yet lovely organ, just to name a few.

Making your way up Jeff Hill can and will feel like a mountain, so let this infectious song give you the energy you need to get to the top. Put your headphones in, turn this song on and you’ll immediately feel like you’re floating.

WHEN YOU WANT TO VIBE: “SIMPLE LOVE” BY LINDSEY LOMIS

At the pinnacle of good vibes, you’ll find “Simple Love” by Lindsey Lomis. With a few simple taps of a drum, glimmering synths and a riveting bass line, the track only takes a few seconds to transport you to a dreamlike state. Lomis talks about a love in the making and how, as long as her prospective man will let her make the first move, the rest will come easily. It’s a song for any mood, and it’ll undoubtedly make you feel on top of the world.

WHEN YOU WANT TO RADIATE POSITIVITY: “EVERYTHING GLOWS” BY GLACIER VEINS

The instrumentation of roaring guitars and Tyler Groce going absolutely ham on the drums in “Everything Glows” may not sound all that positive, but the lyrics are as optimistic as can be. Glacier Veins takes pop punk to

a new level, divulging the most solid advice you may ever get: “When you choose to give yourself a little time, to just breathe in and feel alive / You can prove you’ve got all the light you’d ever need.” Remember this song when you need a little pick-me-up as the stress of classes begins to emerge.

WHEN YOU’RE FEELING ANGSTY: “WHAT I WANT” BY THE BAND CAMINO

For some of us, the teenage angst remains longer than it’s supposed to and “What I Want”

by The Band CAMINO epitomizes everything we’re feeling. Backed by an invigorating guitar line and irreproachable harmonies, the track discusses the galling moments of life. Despite doing everything right, frontman Spencer Stewart knows good things still won’t come to fruition for him: “It doesn’t seem right knowing I’ll never get what I want if I can’t on my own / I took a chance on a feeling, but here I am feeling alone.” This is definitely the song to blare when nothing seems to be going right.

WHEN YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO THINK ABOUT LIFE: “FOLLOW MY GIRL” BY THE JAPANESE HOUSE

The one-woman show of Amber Bain, otherwise known as The Japanese House, constructed some of her best work to date on the thought-provoking “Follow My Girl.” Bain doesn’t hold back for a second, starting the track off with “Different people have their different ways of living / I chose mine, and it was unforgiving.” Alongside intriguing synths, compelling drums and a subtle saxophone, Bain’s voice sounds like pure magic, and it will lead you to a place where you can ponder as you please.

WHEN YOU NEED REASSURANCE: “MORE” BY LAWRENCE

No track will be able to help you move for-

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER ward more than “More” by Lawrence, guaranteed. The eight-piece soul-pop band, led by brother-sister duo Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, use the track as a reminder that there are going to be more good and bad days to come, so you should be ready it all: “Now I don’t know what I’m searchin’ for / But I know that when it rains, it pours / I’m sure there will be more.” Gracie’s powerhouse vocals, intertwined with an ensemble of jazzy instrumentation, will leave you both speechless and uplifted.

Going Home” by Hazel English will be there to encapsulate all those feelings when that time comes. The track is euphoric indie pop, as English talks about the day and place where she truly found the person she’s meant to be. Now, she’ll do whatever it takes to make sure nothing changes: “Never going home again / Don’t wait up for me; I’m not leaving.” Athens has a funny way of impacting all of us for the better.

Soon enough, you’ll be feeling it, too.

WHEN YOU REALIZE ATHENS IS THE GREATEST PLACE ON EARTH: “NEVER GOING HOME” BY HAZEL ENGLISH

It won’t be too long before you realize Athens is where you want to be forever, and “Never

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Top 10 spots every Bobcat should know Ohio University has a lot of historic and scenic places in and around it as well as some great local businesses

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER HANNAH BURKHART FOR THE POST Ohio University may not have the biggest campus, but it has some of the most interesting attractions in and around it. As it was the first college in the state, founded in 1804, OU has a lot of historic spots. Another great thing about Athens is the number of local businesses that support each other and the students of OU. Here are the top 10 places and businesses at OU, ranked:

UNION STREET DINER

Union Street Diner is one of the go-to restaurants on those late weekend nights after going out. The breakfast menu holds some of the most popular items, such as pancakes and eggs benedict, at the 24/7 restaurant. The consistency across all USD menus, though, is pretty impressive. The fact that the diner offers healthy meals is also impressive because not a lot of food businesses keep in mind that some people are cautious about what they eat.

BAGEL STREET DELI

Bagel Street Deli is one of the most widely known and loved food spots in Athens. At Bagel Street, bagels are not just a breakfast food, as it is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days. The decorations on the walls are also bound to catch your eye and give you a sense of comfort.

“There’s always something different to look at in Bagel Street. The walls are always full of different kinds of graffiti or designs.

Plus, there’s always some kind of music playing that makes the employees excited,” Devin Blair, a rising junior studying music education, said.

30 / SUMMER 2020

ATHENA CINEMA

There may be Athena Grand on East State Street, which plays all movies, but if you want a more down-to-earth, indie film experience, The Athena Cinema is the way to go. The cinema has a very vintage feel to it, and it supports local and small filmmakers. You can’t miss it while walking on Court Street just past CVS Pharmacy. The outside of The Athena looks like it is straight out of Hollywood.

DONKEY COFFEE

Donkey Coffee is one of the many local coffee shops in Athens, and its coffee is known to be many students’ favorite in town. The menu, which contains more than just coffee, includes gluten free and vegan options for those who follow strict diets. Donkey is like one big house with several wall decorations, and the seating arrangements are couches and cushioned chairs. It is hard not to feel at home while at Donkey. The aesthetics are truly admirable. It is one of the most popular study spots in Athens. There is even a room with a small stage where musicians and poets perform on certain nights.

THE RIDGES

The Ridges is a popular spot for students interested in spooky settings. In The Ridges is what was formerly called the Athens Lunatic Asylum, a mental hospital that operated from 1874 to 1993. Now, the area is home to the Kennedy Museum of Art, OU offices and classrooms, The Dairy Barn Arts Center and more.

The main building of the old asylum is known to be haunted, and during the month of October, there are late night tours given throughout it. Some students prefer to go with friends on their own, though, to look deeper and get even more spooked.

HOCKHOCKING ADENA BIKEWAY

Whether you are on a bike, going on a run or simply taking a walk, Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a great place to clear your mind. The trail starts in front of the Athens Community Center on East State Street and gives you a scenic view of Ohio University’s campus.

COURT STREET

Bagel Street Deli and Athena Cinema may have gotten honorable mentions, but the entire span of Court Street itself is important to Athens. There are a number of boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and, of course, bars. The number of bars on one straight street in a small town is unbelievable, but it is something that makes Athens so special.

STROUDS RUN STATE PARK

Strouds Run State Park is the most scenic spot in Athens. It is truly a hidden treasure. The beauty of the lake and forest that span 2.606 acres is truly a getaway from the mostly plain appearance of the rest of Southeastern Ohio. There are several activities to do at Strouds Run, such as boating, fishing, picnicking and hiking the trails.

There is even a small beach open during the summer months.

“Strouds Run is one of the most calming and fun places that you can go to off campus,” Luis Medina, a rising senior studying marketing and strategic communication, said. “If you want to do homework, you can sit by the water and feel relaxed with all of the nature around you. If you want to have fun, you can rent pontoons with your friends and have fun on the water.”

BAKER UNIVERSITY CENTER

Baker University Center is more than just a shortcut through its escalators on a hot or cold day. Baker is the hub for many organizations, has three dining attractions, has several study spots and is beautiful inside and out.

Some of the organizations inside include the Multicultural Center, Women’s Center, ACRN and The Post. Baker holds Front Room Coffee on its fourth floor and both Latitude 39 and West 82 on the first floor. The food and coffee drinks will not disappoint. The fifth floor even has a food pantry for those in need.

COLLEGE GREEN

At the center of all the greens on campus is the scenic and historic College Green. You are bound to walk through it on your way to classes or Court Street, but sometimes, it is important to take in the beauty of it. Whether it is on a warm spring or summer day, a colorful fall day or a snowy winter day, College Green is picture-perfect. Take a moment to stop and look at the Alumni Gateway, the Soldiers’ Monument and The Kissing Circle. Oh, and do not step on the seal. Rumor has it, it is bad luck.

Athens has a lot to offer, and there are several places to visit within your four or more years as a student. Athens may be known best for its bars, but it is truly much more than that. From crowded streets to scenic nature areas, Athens always has something to do (after homework is done, of course).

@HANNAHNOELBURK HB239417@OHIO.EDU